Today I take on a new subject here on the Bodega Tips & Stories Blog – I’ve been asked to share my take on the restaurants here in Bodega Bay. Later, I’ll follow up with others from the surrounding area. I’ll also make you one promise: I attest that I have tried each and every restaurant that I am Bay Biting.
There are 14 restaurants in Bodega Bay alone, with the farthest located 1.5 miles north of the Visitor’s Center. With food styles ranging from deli, fast food & diner to the ultimate in fine dining available anywhere, each restaurant has its own unique cuisine and atmosphere.
Many guests come in to the Visitor’s Center and want me to “tell me about your favorite” place to go. I try to be both positive and impartial. So like I do for them, here on the Blog I will only write about the good bites I’ve had over the years.
Of course, when I go out to eat, my personal choice depends on how fully stocked my pocketbook is, the company I’m with (if any), and mood that I’m in. On the list that we give out in the Visitors Center, I’ve added two graphics for restaurants; where there is a doggie ,
it indicates outside seating for the well-behaved pups, and where there’s a corn cob there is at least one vegetarian dish offered. And remember, there is also an extensive DINING LISTING on this Blog’s main website, BodegaBay.com.
So, let’s get started this time around with the Brisas Del Mar and The Sandpiper.
Brisas Del Mar (Ocean Breezes), A Taste of Mexico – 2001 Hwy One
707-875-9190 – Closed on Tuesdays – Lunch and Dinner
Nestled on the edge of the Bodega Dunes on Highway One, with great views overlooking the sea grass to the Pacific Ocean, this is NOT your typical Mexican restaurant. It also is a family affair; Jesus, his wife Juana and their children started this restaurant over 9 years ago. The menu is varied, very fresh and, as an extra plus in these difficult economic times, very affordable and family-friendly.
On those evenings when Bodega Bay basks in its spectacular sunset light, dinner is especially memorable. Tables are located outside as well as in, so one can truly take advantage of our warm sunny days – and yes, there are a few warm sunny days here on the Bay.
The menu ranges from the freshest of fish and Mexican favorites, to hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches for the kids. One of my favorite meals is the Sopa de Camarónes “Shrimp Soup”…a delectable tomato-based broth with fresh vegetables is matched to the biggest shrimp I’ve ever eaten. Along with some fresh French bread and a glass of iced tea (or wine for others), it’s a full meal not an appetizer.
Of course any meal is not complete without dessert, and the scrumptious Chocolate Mousse here is made fresh daily with dozens of Mexican chocolates. Not for the faint of heart. Yum Yum. I could go on about the menu, but I’ll leave it for you to try.
Oh yes, recently added to the menu is The Lite Menu; also an Early Bird with five different choices of tasty foods for just $9.95.
The Sandpiper is my next Bay Bite at 1410 Bay Flat Rd.
707-875-2278 – Open 7 days a week for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Nestled in the Port O Bodega over 40 years ago, The Sandpiper began its life as a small coffee stop used by fishermen before they headed out to sea. It’s evolved over the years to be our local diner.
The picturesque Sandpiper has hosted many photo shoots over the years. The last of which was for a fall issue of Vogue, when model Pierce Brosnan and the crew spent many hours there taking photos.
Sitting at the water’s edge, this a good place to sit, sip and nosh while being up close and personal with hundreds of little sandpipers, an energetic local shore bird that is fun to watch while it feeds. At first glance, these birds appear to be little brown rocks. Then the little brown rocks move in mysterious unison, and next a multi-shaded brown cloud of pebbles rises up into the air...like smoke flying away.
Starting with a few stools for the fishermen to sit on, today there are 15 tables and 3 booths that seat about 50 people. The first menus here offered chowder, fish and chips, coffee, etc. Nowadays a more sophisticated, expanded menu is offered, them and variations on the legendary Clam Chowder and Fish & Chips that are still the staples.
“Please don’t eat the chowder,” they say, “Savor it.” There are many varied choices of fish, chicken and meat, soup, salads, and the desserts are more than decadent!
Sometimes live music is offered on the weekends. You can also learn about the development controversy between old and new Bodega Bay at SaveTheSandpiper.com.
Comments